Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon helped define the sub-4-metre SUV space in India and remains one of its biggest sellers. The current facelifted generation brings sharper, more polished styling, a thoroughly modernised cabin and a long features list. But what really anchors its appeal is its 5-star Global NCAP crash record, which has made it the default choice for buyers who put family safety near the top of their list when shopping in this segment.

On the road the Nexon feels grown-up for a compact SUV. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol is the pick of the range, with a useful surge of mid-range pull that makes city driving relaxed and overtakes on the highway drama-free. The diesel is the long-distance specialist, returning genuinely strong economy and a torquey, unstressed character. Three gearbox options — a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT and a quicker-witted 7-speed dual-clutch automatic — mean there is a Nexon to suit most driving styles, though the DCT can feel hesitant in slow crawling traffic.

The cabin is where the facelift makes its biggest leap. A large free-standing touchscreen, a fully digital instrument cluster on higher trims, ventilated front seats, a single-pane sunroof and a touch-based climate panel give it a genuinely premium ambience that embarrasses some pricier cars. Space is good for four adults, the boot is usefully shaped, and ride quality is mature — the Nexon soaks up broken roads and speed breakers with composure rather than crashing into them.

It is not flawless. The touch-sensitive climate controls are fiddly while driving, rear-seat under-thigh support is average for taller passengers, and some of the lower-trim plastics still feel ordinary. Tata's software and connected-car features have improved but can occasionally lag, and service experience varies by city and dealer.

What the Nexon does better than almost anyone, though, is build confidence. The solid structure, the 5-star crash rating, the standard six airbags on most variants and the long warranty add up to a car you can hand to a family member without a second thought. For many buyers that reassurance, combined with the strong features and value, simply outweighs the rough edges.